Increased 1/12 of 1 percent for each month between ages 65 and 72 for which no benefits received after 1970 (PIA based on AMW only). Applicable only to worker whose benefit has not been actuarially reduced.

1977

. . .

. . .

Increased 1/4 of 1 percent for each month after 1981 and between ages 65 and 72 in which no benefits received. Requirement for nonreceipt of actuarially reduced benefit removed.

1983

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased, as follows:

Applicable PIA payable at age—

Applicable to workers who attain age 62 in—

65 and 2 months

2000

65 and 4 months

2001

65 and 6 months

2002

65 and 8 months

2003

65 and 10 months

2004

66

2005–2016

66 and 2 months

2017

66 and 4 months

2018

66 and 6 months

2019

66 and 8 months

2020

66 and 10 months

2021

67

2022 and later

62–66

. . .

Reduced 5/9 of 1 percent for each of the first 36 months of receipt of benefits immediately preceding the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1 percent for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.

. . .

. . .

Increased by the following percentage for each month between the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable and age 70 in which no benefits are received:

Age 62 in years—

Rate of increase

Annual rate (percent)

1987–1988

7/24 of 1 percent

3.5

1989–1990

8/24 of 1 percent

4

1991–1992

9/24 of 1 percent

4.5

1993–1994

10/24 of 1 percent

5

1995–1996

11/24 of 1 percent

5.5

1997–1998

12/24 of 1 percent

6

1999–2000

13/24 of 1 percent

6.5

2001–2002

14/24 of 1 percent

7

2003–2004

15/24 of 1 percent

7.5

2005 and later

16/24 of 1 percent

8

. . .

. . .

No further increases for months of nonreceipt of benefits after age 70, effective 1984.

. . .

. . .

Partial offset for receipt of pension based on noncovered employment, phased in over a 5-year period beginning in 1986 for individuals first eligible for Social Security and noncovered pension after 1985 (see Table 2.A11).

Reduced if benefits plus workers' compensation exceed 80 percent of the higher of AMW or high 5-year average taxable earnings in covered employment. Adjusted periodically for rises in wage levels.

1967

. . .

. . .

Reduced if benefits plus workers' compensation exceed 80 percent of the higher of AMW or high 5-year average earnings in covered employment, regardless of taxable limit.

1972

. . .

. . .

Reduced if benefits plus workers' compensation exceed 80 percent of the highest of (a) AMW, (b) high 5-year average earnings or (c) highest annual earnings in the period consisting of year of disability onset and 5 preceding years in covered employment.

. . .

. . .

Waiting period reduced to 5 full calendar months.

1983

. . .

. . .

Partial offset for receipt of pension based on noncovered employment phased in over a 5-year period beginning in 1986 for individuals first eligible for Social Security and noncovered pension after 1985.

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm).

Table 2.A21 Monthly benefits for spouses and children of retired and disabled workers

Year enacted

Age

Percentageof PIA

Condition or qualification

Wife

1939

65 or older

50

Fully insured.

1956

62–64

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each month under age 65.

1967

. . .

. . .

Maximum $105.

1969

. . .

. . .

Maximum eliminated.

1977

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).

62–66

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1 percent for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Divorced wife

1965

65 or older

. . .

Fully insured. Dependent. Married 20 years. Not counted toward family maximum.

62–64

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each month under age 65.

1967

. . .

. . .

Maximum $105.

1969

. . .

. . .

Maximum eliminated.

1972

. . .

. . .

Dependency requirement eliminated.

1977

. . .

. . .

Married 10 years.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and married 20 years.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

. . .

. . .

Can be independently entitled to benefits if divorced for 2 years or more (after marriage of 10 or more years) and worker could be entitled to benefits if he applied. Effective with benefits for months after December 1984.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).

62–66

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1 percent for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Wife (mother)

1950

Under 65

. . .

Fully insured. Caring for eligible child.

1965

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes student aged 18–21.

1967

. . .

. . .

Maximum $105.

1969

. . .

. . .

Maximum eliminated.

1977

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1981

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Child

1939

Under 18

. . .

Fully insured.a

1965

18–21

. . .

Full-time student.

1972

. . .

. . .

Benefits extended to end of quarter or semester in which 22nd birthday occurs while undergraduate student.

. . .

. . .

Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.

1981

18–22

. . .

Student benefits eliminated (to be phased out gradually for those entitled before May 1982), except for elementary or secondary school students under age 19.

1996

. . .

. . .

Stepchildren must be dependent on worker.

Disabled child

1956

18 or older

. . .

Fully insured.a Disabled before age 18.

1972

. . .

. . .

Disabled before age 22.

. . .

. . .

Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.

Husband

1950

65 or older

50

Fully and currently insured. Dependent.

1961

62–64

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each month under age 65.

1967

. . .

. . .

Currently insured requirement eliminated. Maximum $105.

1969

. . .

. . .

Maximum eliminated.

1977

. . .

. . .

Dependency requirement eliminated.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and dependent.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).

62–66

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1 percent for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Divorced husband

1977 b

65 or older

. . .

Fully insured. Married 10 years. Not counted toward family maximum.

62–64

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each month under age 65.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible after June 1983.

. . .

. . .

Can be independently entitled to benefits if divorced for 2 years or more (after marriage of 10 or more years) and worker could be entitled to benefits if she applied. Effective with benefits for months after December 1984.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Table 2.A20).

62–66

. . .

Reduced 25/36 of 1 percent for each of the first 36 months under the age at which 50 percent of PIA is payable, plus 5/12 of 1 percent for each of up to 24 earlier months of benefit receipt.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Husband (father)

1978 c

Under 65

. . .

Fully insured. Caring for eligible child. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).

1981

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm).

NOTE: PIA = primary insurance amount; . . . = not applicable.

a. Under the Act of 1939, generally not available to child of married female worker. Under the Act of 1950, available if female worker is fully and currently insured. Currently insured requirement eliminated by the Act of 1967.

b. Northern District of California District Court decision in Oliver v. Califano, June 24, 1977. Statutory change enacted in 1983.

c. Eastern District of Pennsylvania District Court decision in Cooper v. Califano, December 29, 1978. Statutory change enacted in 1983.

Limited, if husband retired before age 65, to amount husband would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

60–64

. . .

Reduced 19/40 of 1 percent each month under age 65. In addition, for a widow aged 62–64 whose husband retired before age 65 limited to amount he would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

1977

. . .

. . .

Increased by any delayed retirement credit husband would be receiving.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2002, the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased, as follows:

Applicable PIA payable at age—

Applicable to widows who attain age 60 in—

65 and 2 months

2000

65 and 4 months

2001

65 and 6 months

2002

65 and 8 months

2003

65 and 10 months

2004

66

2005–2016

66 and 2 months

2017

66 and 4 months

2018

66 and 6 months

2019

66 and 8 months

2020

66 and 10 months

2021

67

2022 and later

60–66

. . .

The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2 percent at age 60.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Disabled widow

1967

50–59

82.5

Fully insured. Reduced 13 1/3 percent, plus 43/198 of 1 percent for each month under age 60. Includes divorced wife, dependent and married 20 years.

1972

. . .

100

Reduced 28 1/2 percent, plus 43/240 of 1 percent for each month under age 60.

1977

. . .

. . .

Increased by any delayed retirement credit husband would be receiving.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

. . .

. . .

Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Surviving divorced wife

1965

60 or older

82.5

Fully insured. Dependent. Married 20 years. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced 5/9 of 1 percent for each month under age 62.

1972

65 or older

100

Limited, if former husband retired before age 65, to amount he would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

60–64

. . .

Reduced 19/40 of 1 percent for each month under age 65. In addition, for widow aged 62–64 whose former husband retired before age 65, limited to amount he would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

1977

. . .

. . .

Dependency requirement eliminated.

. . .

. . .

Increased by any delayed retirement increment former husband would be receiving.

. . .

. . .

Married 10 years.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and married 20 years.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Widow).

60–66

. . .

The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2 percent at age 60.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Disabled surviving divorced wife

1967

50–59

82.5

Fully insured. Dependent. Married 20 years. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced 13 1/3 percent, plus 43/198 of 1 percent for each month under age 62.

1972

. . .

100

Reduced 28 1/2 percent, plus 43/240 of 1 percent for each month under age 60.

. . .

. . .

Dependency requirement eliminated.

1977

. . .

. . .

Increased by any delayed retirement increment husband (or former husband) would be receiving.

. . .

. . .

Married 10 years.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982 and married 20 years.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

. . .

. . .

Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Widowed mother

1939

Under 65

75

Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child.

1965

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes student over age 18.

1977

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1981

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Surviving divorced mother

1950

Under 65

75

Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child. Dependent. Not counted toward family maximum.

1965

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes student over age 18.

1972

. . .

. . .

Dependency requirement eliminated.

1977

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1981

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Child

1939

Under 18

50

Fully or currently insured.a Student aged 16–17.

1946

. . .

. . .

Student requirement eliminated.

1950

. . .

. . .

Plus 25 percent of PIA divided among the children.

1960

. . .

75

Additional 25 percent of PIA eliminated.

1965

. . .

. . .

Full-time student.

1972

. . .

. . .

Benefits extended to end of quarter or semester in which 22nd birthday occurs while undergraduate student.

. . .

. . .

Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.

1981

18–22

. . .

Student category eliminated (to be phased out gradually for those entitled before May 1982), except for elementary or secondary school students under age 19.

1996

. . .

. . .

Stepchildren must be dependent on worker.

Disabled child

1956

18 or older

50

Fully or currently insured.a Disabled before age 18. Plus 25 percent of PIA divided among the children.

1960

. . .

75

Additional 25 percent of PIA eliminated.

1972

. . .

. . .

Disabled before age 22.

. . .

. . .

Includes grandchild under certain circumstances.

Parent

1939

65 or older

50

Fully insured. Dependent. No surviving widow or child under age 18.

1946

. . .

. . .

No surviving eligible widow or child.

1950

. . .

75

. . .

1956

62–64

. . .

Women.

1958

. . .

. . .

No-other-survivor requirement eliminated.

1961

62 or older

82.5

75 percent each if two parents.

Widower

1950

65 or older

75

Fully and currently insured. Dependent.

1961

62 or older

82.5

. . .

1967

. . .

. . .

Currently insured requirement eliminated.

1972

65 or older

100

Limited, if wife retired before age 65, to amount wife would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

60–64

. . .

Reduced 19/40 of 1 percent for each month under age 65. In addition, for a widower aged 62–64 whose wife retired before age 65, limited to amount she would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

1977

. . .

. . .

Dependency requirement eliminated.

. . .

. . .

Increased by any delayed retirement increment wife would be receiving.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982, dependent, and not remarried before age 60.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Widow).

60–66

. . .

The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2 percent at age 60.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Disabled widower

1967

50–61

82.5

Fully insured. Dependent. Reduced 5/9 of 1 percent per month between ages 60–62, plus 43/198 of 1 percent for each month under age 60.

Increased by any delayed retirement increment wife would be receiving.

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982, dependent, and not remarried before age 60.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

. . .

. . .

Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Surviving divorced husband

1980 b

65 or older

100

Fully insured. Married 10 years. Increased by any delayed retirement credit former wife would be receiving. Limited, if former wife retired before age 65, to amount she would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).

60–64

. . .

Reduced 19/40 of 1 percent for each month under age 65. In addition, for a widower aged 62–64 whose wife retired before age 65, limited to amount she would be receiving if still living, but not less than 82 1/2 percent of PIA.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

65 and 2 months–67

. . .

Beginning in 2000, the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable will be gradually increased (see Widow).

60–66

. . .

The percent of reduction for each month depends on the age at which 100 percent of PIA is payable. The percentage is adjusted so that the total reduction, in equal monthly steps, is always 28 1/2 percent at age 60.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Disabled surviving divorced husband

1980 b

50–59

100

Fully insured. Married 10 years. Increased by any delayed retirement credit former wife would be receiving. Reduced 28 1/2 percent, plus 43/240 of 1 percent for each month under age 60. Not counted toward family maximum. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered employment (noncovered pension offset).

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

. . .

. . .

Additional reduction for each month under age 60 eliminated.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

Widowed father

1975 c

Under 65

75

Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child under age 18.

1977

. . .

. . .

Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset). Reduction does not apply if eligible for such pension before December 1982.

1981

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset to two-thirds of such pension.

Surviving divorced father

1979 d

Under 65

75

Fully or currently insured. Caring for eligible child under age 18. Reduced by full amount of pension payable based on own earnings in noncovered governmental employment (noncovered pension offset).

1981

. . .

. . .

Eligible child excludes nondisabled child aged 16–17.

1983

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset provision not applicable if first eligible for such pension before July 1983 and dependent. Reduced by only two-thirds of such pension if first eligible for it after June 1983.

1984

. . .

. . .

Noncovered pension offset limited to two-thirds of such pension.

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm).

NOTE: PIA = primary insurance amount; . . . = not applicable.

a. Under the Act of 1939, generally not available to child of married female worker. Under the Act of 1950, available if female worker is fully and currently insured; currently insured requirement eliminated by the Act of 1967.

Same as benefit for individual receiving special age-72 benefits (see Table 2.A24)

Wife

September 1963

One-half of worker's benefit

Widow

September 1963

Same as worker's benefit

Enacted in 1983

Husband

May 1983

One-half of worker's benefit

Widower

May 1983

Same as worker's benefit

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm).

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm). Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2011; Correction," Federal Register, vol. 75, no. 229 (November 30, 2010).

NOTE: . . . = not applicable.

a. Monthly benefit reduced by amount of any government pension excluding workers' compensation benefits and veterans' compensation for service-connected disability or death. Not available for persons receiving assistance.

b. Provision for future automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

c. Suspended by legislation in 1973.

d. Beginning June 1975, subject to automatic COLAs. Benefits no longer available to persons receiving payments under the Supplemental Security Income program.

e. Separate rate for couples eliminated. Rate for individuals applied to all beneficiaries.

f. Effective for applications after November 5, 1990.

g. The COLA for December 1999 was originally determined to be 2.4 percent, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The underlying CPI was later recomputed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; a 2.5 percent COLA would have been consistent with the recomputed CPI. Pursuant to Public Law 106-554, benefits were calculated and paid in August 2001 and later as if the COLA for December 1999 had been 2.5 percent. Affected beneficiaries received a one-time payment to cover the shortfall that occurred before August 2001.

Fully and currently insured: 6 times PIA if no survivor eligible for monthly benefits.

1950

3 times PIA for all deaths.

1954

3 times PIA with maximum of $255.

1981

Payable only to a widow or widower who was living with the worker at time of the death or to a widow, widower, or children eligible for monthly benefits.a

Vocational rehabilitation services

1965

Available to selected disabled individuals. Costs of services payable from OASDI trust funds to state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Reimbursement in any year may not exceed 1 percent of the total amount of OASDI disability benefits disbursed in the prior year.

Reimbursement from trust funds for cost of rehabilitation services made if the services result in the disabled individual's return to work (performance of substantial gainful activity for 9 consecutive months).

1999

Enhancements including expanded beneficiary choice of service providers and extended health care for beneficiaries who return to work.

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm).

a. The amount of the lump sum is effectively fixed at $255 because of increases in the pre-1981 PIA. The 1981 legislation eliminating the minimum PIA is not applicable to the calculation of the lump-sum death payment.

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm). Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2011; Correction," Federal Register, vol. 75, no. 229 (November 30, 2010).

a. Annual earnings are calculated by multiplying the federal minimum wage by 2,080 hours (see Table 3.B3). Increases in the minimum wage during the year are prorated.

d. Assumes the worker began to work at age 22, retired at age 62 in 2010 with maximum reduction, and had no prior period of disability.

e. The full retirement age is the earliest age at which an unreduced spousal benefit is payable.

f. Assumes the deceased worker began to work at age 22, died in 2010 at age 40, had no earnings in that year, and had no prior period of disability.

g. Assumes the worker began to work at age 22, became disabled at age 50 in 2010, had no earnings in that year, and had no prior period of disability.

h. The Amendments of 1980 to the Social Security Act provide for a different family maximum amount in disability cases. For disabled workers entitled after June 1980, the maximum is the smaller of (1) 85 percent of the worker's average indexed monthly earnings (or 100 percent of the primary insurance amount, if larger) or (2) 150 percent of the primary insurance amount.

Table 2.A27 Minimum and maximum monthly retired-worker benefits payable to individuals who retired at age 62, by year they attained age 62, 1957–2011 (in dollars)

Year a

Minimum benefit payable

Maximum benefit payable

At retirement

Effective December 2010 b

At retirement

Effective December 2010 b

Men

Women

Men

Women

1957

24.00

380.10

. . .

86.80

. . .

937.70

1958

24.00

380.10

. . .

86.80

. . .

937.70

1959

26.40

380.10

. . .

92.80

. . .

937.70

1960

26.40

378.50

. . .

95.20

. . .

961.80

1961

26.40

376.50

. . .

96.00

. . .

968.70

1962

32.00

375.20

93.60

96.80

944.70

977.30

1963

32.00

373.40

94.40

97.60

951.30

983.90

1964

32.00

373.40

95.20

98.40

957.40

990.20

1965

35.20

373.00

102.80

105.40

962.70

988.20

1966

35.20

369.70

102.80

106.20

959.50

991.60

1967

35.20

367.60

105.40

108.80

980.80

1,011.80

1968

44.00 c

362.70

121.00 c

124.80 c

985.70

1,018.10

1969

44.00

359.20

124.80

128.40

1,007.20

1,036.70

1970

51.20

354.10

146.80

151.90

1,016.90

1,051.90

1971

56.40

349.40

163.60

170.50

1,015.20

1,059.00

1972

56.40

344.40

167.10

172.90

1,023.50

1,058.80

1973

67.60

339.70

207.60

212.90

1,042.50

1,070.20

1974

67.60

334.20

217.00

219.70

1,074.70

1,087.60

1975

75.10

329.80

253.10

253.10

1,112.60

1,112.60

1976

81.20

325.90

285.60

285.60

1,148.80

1,148.80

1977

86.40

323.50

319.40

319.40

1,199.30

1,199.30

1978

91.50

322.00

354.60

354.60

1,254.30

1,254.30

1979

97.60

323.30

388.90 d

388.90 d

1,292.00

1,292.00

1980

97.60

293.80

402.80 d

402.80 d

1,217.40

1,217.40

1981

97.60

256.60

432.00

432.00

1,141.80

1,141.80

1982

e

e

474.60

474.60

1,128.40

1,128.40

1983

e

e

526.40

526.40

1,164.90

1,164.90

1984

e

e

559.40

559.40

1,196.30

1,196.30

1985

e

e

591.30

591.30

1,222.30

1,222.30

1986

e

e

630.50

630.50

1,264.00

1,264.00

1987

e

e

662.10

662.10

1,310.40

1,310.40

1988

e

e

686.70

686.70

1,304.50

1,304.50

1989

e

e

734.00

734.00

1,340.40

1,340.40

1990

e

e

774.60

774.60

1,351.40

1,351.40

1991

e

e

810.00

810.00

1,340.60

1,340.60

1992

e

e

854.10

854.10

1,363.70

1,363.70

1993

e

e

893.60

893.60

1,385.30

1,385.30

1994

e

e

948.00

948.00

1,432.40

1,432.40

1995

e

e

965.90

965.90

1,419.90

1,419.90

1996

e

e

999.90

999.90

1,432.60

1,432.60

1997

e

e

1,049.10

1,049.10

1,461.00

1,461.00

1998

e

e

1,109.60

1,109.60

1,513.50

1,513.50

1999

e

e

1,183.60

1,183.60

1,593.70 f

1,593.70 f

2000

e

e

1,241.70

1,241.70

1,631.20

1,631.20

2001

e

e

1,307.30

1,307.30

1,659.20

1,659.20

2002

e

e

1,375.30

1,375.30

1,701.50

1,701.50

2003

e

e

1,404.30

1,404.30

1,713.50

1,713.50

2004

e

e

1,414.80

1,414.80

1,690.80

1,690.80

2005

e

e

1,444.90

1,444.90

1,681.50

1,681.50

2006

e

e

1,522.50

1,522.50

1,702.10

1,702.10

2007

e

e

1,589.40

1,589.40

1,720.20

1,720.20

2008

e

e

1,672.70

1,672.70

1,769.70

1,769.70

2009

e

e

1,759.70

1,759.70

1,759.70

1,759.70

2010

e

e

1,809.90

1,809.90

1,809.90

1,809.90

2011

e

e

1,793.60

1,793.60

. . .

. . .

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm). Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2011; Correction," Federal Register, vol. 75, no. 229 (November 30, 2010).

NOTES: Benefit first available at age 62 to female workers effective November 1956 and to male workers effective August 1961.

. . . = not applicable.

a. Assumes the worker began to work at age 22, retired at the beginning of the year, had no prior disability, and received the maximum reduction. Through 1999, the assumed reduction was 36 months at 5/9 of 1 percent per month, or 20 percent. In 2000, with the increase in the full retirement age (FRA) to 65 and 2 months, the reduction increased to 20.008333 percent (see Tables 2.A17.1 and 2.A20). In 2001, the FRA increased to 65 and 4 months for a maximum reduction of 21.666667 percent. In 2002, the FRA increased to 65 and 6 months for a maximum reduction of 22.5 percent. In 2003, the FRA increased to 65 and 8 months for a maximum reduction of 23.333333 percent. In 2004, the FRA increased to 65 and 10 months for a maximum reduction of 24.16667 percent. In 2005, the FRA increased to 66 for a maximum reduction of 25 percent.

b. Final benefit amount payable after Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) premium or any other deduction is rounded to next lower $1.

e. In 1981, legislation eliminated the minimum PIA for workers who attain age 62 in 1982 or later. (The minimum is retained until 1991 for members of religious orders who were under a vow of poverty, provided that the order had elected Social Security coverage before December 29, 1981.)

f. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 1999 was originally determined to be 2.4 percent, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The underlying CPI was later recomputed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; a 2.5 percent COLA would have been consistent with the recomputed CPI. Pursuant to Public Law 106-554, benefits were calculated and paid in August 2001 and later as if the COLA for December 1999 had been 2.5 percent. Affected beneficiaries received a one-time payment to cover the shortfall that occurred before August 2001.

Table 2.A28 Minimum and maximum monthly retired-worker benefits payable to individuals who retired at age 65, by year they attained age 65, 1940–2011 (in dollars)

Year a

Minimum benefit payable

Maximum benefit payable

At retirement

Effective December 2010 b

At retirement

Effective December 2010 b

Men

Women

Men

Women

1940

10.00

403.40

41.20

41.20

782.20

782.20

1941

10.00

403.40

41.60

41.60

782.20

782.20

1942

10.00

403.40

42.00

42.00

791.50

791.50

1943

10.00

403.40

42.40

42.40

791.50

791.50

1944

10.00

403.40

42.80

42.80

791.50

791.50

1945

10.00

403.40

43.20

43.20

800.10

800.10

1946

10.00

403.40

43.60

43.60

809.80

809.80

1947

10.00

403.40

44.00

44.00

817.30

817.30

1948

10.00

403.40

44.40

44.40

817.30

817.30

1949

10.00

403.40

44.80

44.80

825.60

825.60

1950

10.00

403.40

45.20

45.20

835.80

835.80

1951

20.00

403.40

68.50

68.50

835.80

835.80

1952

20.00

403.40

68.50

68.50

835.80

835.80

1953

25.00

403.40

85.00

85.00

923.50

923.50

1954

25.00

403.40

85.00

85.00

923.50

923.50

1955

30.00

403.40

98.50

98.50

923.50

923.50

1956

30.00

403.40

103.50

103.50

975.70

975.70

1957

30.00

403.40

108.50

108.50

1,019.90

1,019.90

1958

30.00

403.40

108.50

108.50

1,019.90

1,019.90

1959

33.00

403.40

116.00

116.00

1,019.90

1,019.90

1960

33.00

403.40

119.00

119.00

1,045.50

1,045.50

1961

33.00

403.40

120.00

120.00

1,053.80

1,053.80

1962

40.00

403.40

121.00

123.00

1,063.30

1,081.50

1963

40.00

403.40

122.00

125.00

1,071.80

1,097.50

1964

40.00

403.40

123.00

127.00

1,081.50

1,116.10

1965

44.00

403.40

131.70

135.90

1,081.50

1,116.10

1966

44.00

403.40

132.70

135.90

1,089.40

1,116.10

1967

44.00

403.40

135.90

140.00

1,116.10

1,149.00

1968

55.00 c

403.40

156.00 c

161.60 c

1,132.80

1,173.60

1969

55.00

403.40

160.50

167.30

1,166.00

1,215.10

1970

64.00

403.40

189.80

196.40

1,198.60

1,241.30

1971

70.40

403.40

213.10

220.40

1,223.10

1,264.20

1972

70.40

403.40

216.10

224.70

1,241.30

1,289.80

1973

84.50

403.40

266.10

276.40

1,272.90

1,322.30

1974

84.50

403.40

274.60

284.90

1,312.90

1,362.90

1975

93.80

403.40

316.30

333.70

1,362.90

1,437.80

1976

101.40

403.40

364.00

378.80

1,451.20

1,510.40

1977

107.90

403.40

412.70

422.40

1,547.00

1,582.80

1978

114.30

403.40

459.80

459.80

1,627.40

1,627.40

1979

121.80

403.40

503.40

503.40

1,672.50

1,672.50

1980

133.90

403.40

572.00

572.00

1,729.40

1,729.40

1981

153.10

403.40

677.00

677.00

1,790.70

1,790.70

1982

170.30 d

403.40

679.30 d

679.30 d

1,614.90

1,614.90

1983

166.40 d

366.90

709.50

709.50

1,571.00

1,571.00

1984

150.50 d

320.10

703.60

703.60

1,505.20

1,505.20

1985

e

e

717.20

717.20

1,482.70

1,482.70

1986

e

e

760.10

760.10

1,524.00

1,524.00

1987

e

e

789.20

789.20

1,562.40

1,562.40

1988

e

e

838.60

838.60

1,593.40

1,593.40

1989

e

e

899.60

899.60

1,643.30

1,643.30

1990

e

e

975.00

975.00

1,701.50

1,701.50

1991

e

e

1,022.90

1,022.90

1,693.60

1,693.60

1992

e

e

1,088.70

1,088.70

1,738.60

1,738.60

1993

e

e

1,128.80

1,128.80

1,750.10

1,750.10

1994

e

e

1,147.50

1,147.50

1,733.90

1,733.90

1995

e

e

1,199.10

1,199.10

1,762.80

1,762.80

1996

e

e

1,248.90

1,248.90

1,789.60

1,789.60

1997

e

e

1,326.60

1,326.60

1,847.50

1,847.50

1998

e

e

1,342.80

1,342.80

1,831.70

1,831.70

1999

e

e

1,373.10

1,373.10

1,848.90

1,848.90

2000

e

e

1,435.30

1,435.30

1,885.70

1,885.70

2001

e

e

1,538.20 f

1,538.20 f

1,952.50

1,952.50

2002

e

e

1,660.50

1,660.50

2,054.50

2,054.50

2003 g

e

e

1,721.70

1,721.70

2,100.90

2,100.90

2004 h

e

e

1,784.80

1,784.80

2,133.10

2,133.10

2005 i

e

e

1,874.30

1,874.30

2,181.20

2,181.20

2006 j

e

e

1,961.90

1,961.90

2,193.40

2,193.40

2007 k

e

e

1,998.70

1,998.70

2,163.10

2,163.10

2008 l

e

e

2,030.60

2,030.60

2,148.30

2,148.30

2009 m

e

e

2,172.40

2,172.40

2,172.40

2,172.40

2010 n

e

e

2,191.70

2,191.70

2,191.70

2,191.70

2011 o

e

e

2,249.50

2,249.50

. . .

. . .

SOURCES: Social Security Act of 1935 (the Act), as amended through December 31, 2010; regulations issued under the Act; and precedential case decisions (rulings). Specific laws, regulations, rulings, legislation, and a link to the Federal Register can be found at the Social Security Program Rules page (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/regulations/index.htm). Social Security Administration, "Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2011; Correction," Federal Register, vol. 75, no. 229 (November 30, 2010).

NOTE: . . . = not applicable.

a. Through 2002, assumes that the worker began to work at age 22, retired at the beginning of the year with unreduced benefits, had no earnings after retirement, and had no prior period of disability. Effective 2003, the same assumptions apply except that the benefit is reduced by 2 months because, for a worker retiring at age 65 in 2003, the age at which one can receive an unreduced benefit—the full retirement age (FRA)—has been raised from 65 to 65 and 2 months. In 2004, the FRA is 65 and 4 months, so the benefit is reduced by 4 months. In 2005, the FRA is 65 and 6 months, so the benefit is reduced by 6 months. In 2006, the FRA is 65 and 8 months, so the benefit is reduced by 8 months. In 2007, the FRA is 65 and 10 months, so the benefit is reduced by 10 months. Beginning in 2008, the FRA is 66, so the benefit is reduced by 12 months.

b. Final benefit amount payable after Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) premium or any other deduction is rounded to next lower $1.

e. In 1981, legislation eliminated the minimum PIA for workers who attain age 62 in 1982 or later. (The minimum is retained until 1991 for members of religious orders who are under a vow of poverty, provided that the order had elected Social Security coverage before December 29, 1981.)

f. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for December 1999 was originally determined to be 2.4 percent, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The underlying CPI was later recomputed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; a 2.5 percent COLA would have been consistent with the recomputed CPI. Pursuant to Public Law 106-554, benefits were calculated and paid in August 2001 and later as if the COLA for December 1999 had been 2.5 percent. Affected beneficiaries received a one-time payment to cover the shortfall that occurred before August 2001.